Obama

The portrayal of the recent presidential election in the US as a near revolution; and Barack Obama as the first “Post-racial” President is perhaps overstated. But the election of Obama is important for people all over the world, and a hint at what we are missing here in the UK.

Obama is highly articulate, considered, and “cool.” He has got people interested in politics that never normally care. He inspires people, through his highly emotive and intelligent speeches, to believe that change is possible and that people can be and have to be part of that change. He inspired people to believe that their vote counted, that they were part of history, that the world could be a better place.

Why does the UK not have such an inspiring politician? Or indeed an engaging political system.

Of course, the legacy of the Bush administration is important to Obama's success: the American people wanted a completely new direction for their country; And the difference between the Republicans and the Democrats is more pronounced than the difference between Labour and the tories. But what is needed in the UK is someone to inspire people to believe in change, and believe that progress is possible, and necessary.

I was thoroughly excited and engaged in the US election, more so than i had ever been in an election in the UK. I was overjoyed when it became clear what the result of the presidential election was, and when i saw President Elect Barack Obama walk on to the stage in Chicago to make his acceptance speech even I, for a moment, believed in American Democracy.